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I am a beginner banjo player. I have played guitar on and off for years but always loved to hear a banjo. I bought an AC5 and started playing. I started 3 finger and liked it but really found enjoyment in clawhammer. I will continue to play both most likely but clawhammer is where I spend most of time. Now to my question, I want to buy an upper end banjo and I will use my ac5 when I go camping. My budget is about 1700. I am leaning hard towards a resonator because I like the bluegrass sound and I play with a couple of buddies regularly. Gold Tones and Gold Stars have been recommended. Also would be interested in the right American made boutique banjo. Any recommendations?
Consider a Gibson RB-100. They are available within your budget and are excellent for both clawhammer and bluegrass. Set up properly, they have plenty of volume to play in a band. I’d look for one with the full 11” tone hoop, which gives a flathead appearance. The “archtop” ones simply have a smaller diameter hoop.
Gold Tone and Gold Star have been recommended probably because if you want a new banjo, $1700 will almost get you there. Or it will get you a Gold Tone OB150 and leave hundreds in your pocket.
Probably the most often recommended professional grade banjo for someone on a budget is the Recording King RK-35 or 36 for about $1200 new.
I'm not denigrating your budget. Just speaking honestly. With $1700 to spend on an American made resonator banjo, you're looking at used. And even then, probably not "boutique." If that term means makers such as Hatfield, Huber, Yates, or Bishline, I don't think you're going to find anything of theirs used for under $2000. Or even close to it on the over side.
For the amount you want to spend the most common options, I believe, are 1990s to early 2000s Deering Sierra, 1970s and 80s Ode Style C and Fender Artist, and sometimes 1970s Gibson RB250.
Sometimes an anxious seller will offer a Deering Eagle II or a current model Sierra for as little as $1700.
For everything I've mentioned, you might have to wait.
Used Gold Star GF100 and Gold Tone OB3 are within your budget, maube even $1500 or less, and may be your best buys. Or used RK35 or 36 for under $1000.
Have fun shopping.
I’m with Bill on this one. Try and find a nice Gibson RB-100 from about 1964 or before. Extremely versatile instruments for many styles.
It’s one of those instruments that if you ever decide to sell it, you will most likely make all your money back and be able to move somewhat quickly.
Set up right, they sound excellent, play smoothly and are nice and light.
Go buy a decent used banjo for around $800 from the BHO marketplace and spend the rest on individual lessons from a professional. That will get you further than any 'boutique' banjo will.
Fact is, you could spend six figures on JD Crowe's 'Banger' and still not sound half as good as Bela Fleck playing an AC-1. Good tone comes from the player, not the instrument.
Edited by - KCJones on 01/23/2025 06:16:37
On any budget you'll get more for your money buying used.
Your budget is at the point where you could potentially get something American-made, but that may or may not be important to you. You also want to think about if you want a full-weight tone ring. This will give you more volume and more complexity of tone.
Some of the most popular imported banjos in your price range are vintage Gold Star banjos. These are great, as are most Recording King and Gold Tone banjos in that price range.
There are some American-made banjos to be had in that price range. You can find used Ode and Deering (Deluxe, Sierra model) banjos and sometimes some others. These will have a higher quality finish and consistently good fit of all the parts. Many of the imported banjos I've owned have needed significant setup work.
The Gibson RB100 is a great banjo but it has a brass tone hoop instead of a heavy tone ring, but this may not be important to you.
There's a great deal on a 1980 Deering Deluxe at Guitar Center right now. I've eyed it for a long time and if I was needing a great banjo on a budget I'd probably buy it.
Good luck!
quote:
Originally posted by LouieChee
...There's a great deal on a 1980 Deering Deluxe at Guitar Center right now. I've eyed it for a long time and if I was needing a great banjo on a budget I'd probably buy it.
Good luck!
I search the GC used banjos almost every day, and there are some really good deals at times... but also some high prices, so know what you are looking for, and research it's worth. I've bought several banjos and guitars from them, and they also deal, so don't be afraid to point out flaws and make offers. Also know that they come as they've been traded in, are often show room played, so expect to do some set up work. Also NEVER assume they come with a case, or you might end up getting your banjo wrapped in bubble package, with no case. I've gotten several nice and even new cases from them, by pointing out the advert didn't mention a case... and it seems they are trained to throw in a case, if it might make the sale.
As of yesterday, one of the best deals right now is an original style Deering Sierra for $1299. It's got a ren head on it and a funky bone insert bridge, but it looks pristine. I've regretting letting mine go, nearly 20 years ago, and this baby is really tempting me. All I'd need to do is replace the head and bridge, and I'd have the lifer banjo I should have never let go... hmmmmm...
Something else I like about buying from GC in-line, is that if there's ever a problem, or you want to return an item, you can just take it to your local GC, and they will take care of it. No hassles. I know they get a bad rap sometimes, but I've been dealing with them for over 20 years, and they've always been very good to me, and always made things right. Just don't ever rely on them to set up a banjo, or even know much about them, because they are clueless.
Edited by - Dean T on 01/23/2025 09:18:52
I would reference Bill from another thread. Go places and play many different models and be patient with yourself.
It's worth the effort.
Originally posted by Bill Rogers
"I’m not a bluegrass player for the most part. I have one bluegrass banjo, purchased used, that I bought with the expectation I would never need or want another. It’s a Huber, and I have not been disappointed. That said, I can tell you that I bought my main player, a Clifford Essex Concert Grand, in 1969. It was to my ear the perfect openback banjo for me. Many years and at least two dozed other banjos since, it still is. I suspect that as you dig into you search for a forever banjo, you will come across one that speaks to you the way my Essex spoke to me. You’ll know—and you’ll buy it. Don’t be in a rush, and don’t buy sight unseen without an ironclad return guarantee. I have mostly bought used banjos over the years; they are better values because you avoid the instant depreciation of a new one. As to Gibsons—I’ve had a couple, both prewar, but not flatheads. So they weren’t outrageously priced. Other banjos are as good, and there are a lot of mediocre Gibsons floating around. Just remember to listen with your ears, and not your eyes. Your forever banjo will be out there somewhere, and you’ll know when you find it."
Edited by - pinenut on 01/23/2025 11:46:58